Page 30 - Homes amp Gardens UK February 2021
P. 30
INSPIRATION
ucked between land, sky and ocean, along with two bathrooms and an outdoor shower,
Fran Derham and Michael the heart of the house is really the open-plan living
Robertson’s retreat in rural Victoria and dining area. With its floor-to-ceiling windows
Thas been built as a home for all and doors that slide open to provide natural cross
seasons. The house and shed, linked by a timber ventilation, this is the ultimate spot, whether snuggled
bridge and built entirely from scratch by the couple in one of the comfortable sofas or seated at the large
to sleep 10, ‘is very encompassing in the winter and dining table, to watch sun, moon and stars all rise.
quintessentially Australian in the summer,’ says Fran. To soften the masculinity of the rough-hewn
With sweeping views afforded by a 360-degree deck, timbers used across walls, floors, ceilings and doors
‘you’re really at one with the weather here.’ When it – with not a hint of plaster in sight – Fran worked
rains, ‘you inhale the sight and sound of it from the with interior designer Lisa Buxton to lighten the
couch or bed; and when it’s sunny, you can soak it interiors. ‘Interior design isn’t a skill of mine so we
up outside, from east to west, with coffee, birdsong painstakingly mulled over every decision,’ she says.
and kangaroos grazing nearby in the morning or a ‘Lisa’s signature sophisticated style juxtaposed the
glass of wine, set against a sunset soundtrack of rustic feel of the house, elevating its feeling of casual
cicadas, in the evening,’ she enthuses. luxury.’ By teaming plain neutral linens with textures
The house’s location, in a small rural pocket called such as raw brass, leather and stone, and wheel-
Wensleydale (hence its name The Wensley), also thrown, hand-glazed ceramics, ‘it’s amazing how the
proved the perfect opportunity for the Melbourne- house actually makes you feel – grounded with a
based couple to combine Michael’s love for the bush sense of soft and calm,’ says Lisa.
and Fran’s love for the beach. ‘Michael always relished Fran agrees – the combination of natural materials
the space and freedom of growing up in a former and breathtaking panorama ‘immediately stills the
gold mining town and dreamt of giving his kids a heart and the to-do list just melts away,’ she says.
similar experience,’ says Fran of the 80-acre property. Days here are spent doing chores outdoors – ‘we’re
Michael’s vision was to combine the aesthetics of an bad at sitting still so we’re always clearing, mowing,
American ski chalet-meets-classic Aussie country weeding and planting, or going for long walks in the
shed (also inspired in part by legendary Australian bordering Great Otway National Park,’ she says – and
architect Glenn Murcutt’s Kempsey Farmhouse). His nights are about good food and conversation.
ambition, as a builder by trade, to use Australian ‘The larger-than-usual island bench invites people
hardwoods such as old Oregon pine, salvaged from to hang around with wine, nibbles and chat while we
demolition sites in Melbourne, silvertop Ash and cook dinner,’ says Fran, ‘but when I’m here by myself,
rough sawn green ironbark has ensured the house I’m just as happy cooking while drinking in the
blends seamlessly with its surrounding landscape of view. That’s the thing about this space – it elevates
rolling green hills, dams and tall eucalyptus trees. everything you do. Even food feels more gourmet.’ &
The house took over two years for Michael to build,
with help from architect Nick Byrne and carpenter ■ The Wensley is available to rent, thewensley.com.
Martin Healy. With two bedrooms downstairs and a Lisa Buxton Interiors, lisabuxton.com. Nick Byrne,
spacious loft bedroom (with three generous beds), Byrne Architects, byrnearchitects.com.au
H O M E S A N D G A R D E N S . C O M 29
